Bugleweed, Ajuga reptans

Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga reptans, is a popular perennial groundcover belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It's native to Europe but widely cultivated in many areas across the globe .

Here are some interesting facts about Bugleweed:

Appearance: Bugleweed is a low-growing creeper that forms a dense mat of foliage. It has shiny, dark green leaves that can sometimes have bronze or purple highlights, depending on the variety. The leaves grow in opposite pairs and have scalloped edges. In the spring, bugleweed produces spikes of small blue, purple, pink, or white flowers that rise above the foliage.

Spread: Bugleweed is a vigorous spreader that sends out runners that root as they creep along the ground. This makes it an excellent choice for filling in bare spots in the garden or suppressing weeds. However, its aggressive spreading habit can also make it invasive in some areas.

Growing Conditions: Bugleweed is a versatile plant that thrives in a wide range of conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate clay or sandy soil as well. It can grow in full sun to full shade, although the foliage color may be best in partial shade. Bugleweed is also very drought-tolerant once established.

Uses: Bugleweed is a valuable plant for many reasons. It's a beautiful low-maintenance groundcover that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It's also a great choice for erosion control on slopes. The flowers of bugleweed attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer and rabbits typically avoid bugleweed, making it a good choice for gardens where these pests are a problem.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planting bugleweed:

Bugleweed is best planted in the spring or fall.

Space plants 6-9 inches apart for quick coverage.

Water plants regularly until they are established, then only during dry periods.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.

Bugleweed can be divided in the spring or fall to create new plants.

Bugleweed is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can be a valuable addition to any garden.

With its attractive foliage and long-lasting blooms, bugleweed is sure to add beauty and interest to your landscape.

Daphes shrub, Daphne sericea

Facts about the Daphne sericea shrub:

Description: Daphne sericea is a bushy flowering plant in the genus Daphne. It typically grows to be around 30 to 40 cm tall, but can sometimes reach up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are small, only 2 to 4 cm long, and have a slightly hairy texture. The fragrant purple flowers bloom in clusters of 5 to 15 in late spring to early summer. Each flower is around 8 mm long.

Habitat: Daphne sericea is native to the woodlands and rocky areas of southern Europe and western Asia. It prefers well-drained, calcareous soils and full sun to partial shade.
Cultivars: Daphne sericea 'Collina' is a popular cultivar that is known for its compact growth habit and abundant flowers. There are also forms with pink flowers.

Toxicity: Be aware that all parts of Daphne sericea are poisonous if ingested. This includes the berries, which can be tempting to small children and pets. Wear gloves when handling the plant and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Care: Daphne sericea is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It does not need to be watered frequently, but it is important to make sure that the soil does not dry out completely. It can be pruned lightly after flowering to maintain its shape.

Pineapple sage, Salvia elegans

Here are some facts about pineapple sage, Salvia elegans:

Pineapple sage is a perennial shrub native to Central Mexico and Guatemala . It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to rosemary, lavender, and sage.

The plant grows to about 4-5 feet tall and wide, with square stems and ovate, hairy leaves that have a strong pineapple scent when crushed. The leaves are about 2-4 inches long and have a fuzzy appearance.

Pineapple sage blooms in late summer and fall, producing clusters of bright red tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The flowers are about 1-2 inches long and grow on long, graceful spikes.

Pineapple sage is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant but will appreciate occasional watering during hot, dry weather.

The leaves and flowers of pineapple sage are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. The leaves have a sweet, pineapple-like flavor that can be used to flavor teas, salads, and desserts. The flowers can be used as a garnish or can be candied and used to decorate cakes or cookies. However, it is important to note that the leaves can lose some of their intensity when dried.

Pineapple sage is not winter hardy in cold climates and will die back to the ground after the first frost. However, it can be grown as an annual in these areas. In warmer climates (USDA zones 8-10), pineapple sage is a perennial and will come back year after year.

Here are some additional tips for growing pineapple sage:

If you live in a cold climate, you can overwinter your pineapple sage plant by bringing it indoors before the first frost. Place it in a sunny location and water it sparingly.

Pineapple sage can be propagated by seed or by cuttings.

Pineapple sage is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to prune it back occasionally to keep it in shape.

Mealycup sage, Salvia farinacea

Here are some facts about mealycup sage, Salvia farinacea:

Appearance:

A herbaceous perennial native to Texas, Mexico, and parts of the southwestern United States.

Grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall with upright or sprawling bushy form.

Features narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a slightly rough texture and medium to dark green color.

Showy flowers bloom in elongated spikes, with colors ranging from deep violet-blue to purple, lavender, white, and even bicolor varieties.

The calyx (flower sepals) have a powdery or grainy texture, resembling flour or meal, which gives the plant its common name.

Growing Conditions:

Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating poor soils and some drought.

Considered a low-maintenance plant, relatively pest and disease resistant.

Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, but often grown as an annual in colder climates due to its fast growth.

Can be propagated from seeds sown indoors or directly outdoors after the last frost

Other Interesting Traits:

Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its nectar, making it a valuable pollinator plant.

The aromatic leaves have a similar scent to culinary sage, but are not typically used for cooking.

Dried leaves can be included in potpourri for a subtle fragrance.

Deer resistant.

Siberian larkspur, Delphinium grandiflorum

Origin: The Siberian larkspur, also known as the Chinese larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum), is a flowering plant native to Russia and China .

Description: This perennial plant is known for its stunning blooms that come in various shades of blue, with some cultivars boasting white or pink flowers. The flowers are typically large and single, with four to five spurred petals surrounding a cluster of stamens. Unlike its taller cousin, the Delphinium elatum, the Siberian larkspur features shorter and more compact stems, reaching around 18 to 24 inches tall.

Habitats: In their natural habitat, Siberian larkspurs thrive in cool, dry meadows and grassy slopes.

Cultivation: Siberian larkspurs are popular ornamental plants due to their attractive flowers and ease of care. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are also relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate some drought conditions.

Toxicity: It's important to note that all parts of the Siberian larkspur are poisonous if ingested. This is due to the presence of alkaloids, which can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and even paralysis. Therefore, caution is advised, especially around children and pets.

Varieties: There are several popular cultivars of Siberian larkspur available, each offering unique flower colors and growth habits. Some well-known cultivars include 'Blue Butterfly' with its vibrant blue blooms, 'Summer Morning' with its soft lavender flowers, 'Blue Mirror' known for its deep blue, almost purple flowers, and 'Summer Stars' with its striking bicolored flowers of white and lavender.

Flaming Katy, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Some facts about Flaming Katy, also known as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana:

A succulent plant native to Madagascar .

It's a popular flowering houseplant known for its clusters of bright red, pink, yellow, or orange flowers that last for weeks .

The plant has dark green, scalloped leaves and an upright, multi-branched growth habit.

Flaming Katy is a low-maintenance succulent that is easy to care for.

It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

The plant should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot.

Flaming Katy can be propagated by leaf cuttings.

Flaming Katy is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that can add a pop of color to any home. With proper care, it can bloom for weeks on end.

If you want your Flaming Katy to rebloom, you will need to give it a period of long nights (at least 14 hours of darkness) for 6-8 weeks. This can be done by placing the plant in a dark room or covering it with a cloth at night.

After the flowering period is over, you can prune the plant to encourage new growth.

Flaming Katy is generally considered safe for pets and humans. However, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach of children and pets.flaming katy plant

Japanese andromeda, Pieris japonica

Origin: Despite its name, the Japanese andromeda is not actually native to Japan. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it grows in mountain thickets .

Description: The Japanese andromeda is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree that typically grows to 9-12 feet tall with a spread of 6-8 feet. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are obovate to oblanceolate in shape, with serrated margins. New growth emerges a conspicuous bronze or red, eventually turning green. It blooms in early to late spring with drooping trusses of fragrant, white or pink urn-shaped flowers about 10 cm long hanging from the tips of the branches.

Cultivation: The Japanese andromeda is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated in gardens. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to part shade. It is also tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for planting in many climates.

Varieties: There are a number of cultivars of Pieris japonica available, with variations in flower color, foliage color, and size.
Some popular cultivars include:
'Forest Flame': This cultivar has new growth that emerges a fiery red and matures to a deep green.
'Mountain Fire': This cultivar has new growth that emerges a bright orange and matures to a green with a bronze tinge.
'Variegated': This cultivar has green leaves with white margins.

Toxicity: Be aware that all parts of the Japanese andromeda are toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.